Chalks are inexpensive, safe for toddlers to handle and can be used for a variety of toddler craft ideas. Chalks come in a variety of vibrant colours and the fact that it is composed from solid particles makes it one of the few writing materials that works really well on black paper. You can create night pictures, stunning firework scenes and many other patterns and pictures on black and other dark coloured papers.

Chalk can be used to make rubbings, just like wax crayons. Find a textured surface, inside or out, such as a textured lino floor, a piece of wood, tree bark or patio stones. Lay a sheet of paper over your surface and rub across the texture. You will create an image of the texture on the paper. That in itself is fun, but you can go further and have your little ones use that as a background to draw another picture on top.

Chalks can be used safely outdoors to draw on patios or pavements. Make road layouts, games, obstacle tracks, mazes or other large scale pictures for your little ones to play with. It might look messy for a few days after, but the pictures will quickly disappear with a bit of rain.

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You'll also find sticker and reward charts, certificates, number and letter practice. Every activity links into the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) areas of learning and development.

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